Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Indian Envoy YK Sinha Believes There Is Some Distrust In India-UK Relations

There is some distrust in the relationship between India and UK, especially UK’s view on terrorism in South Asia, said outgoing Indian high commissioner to Britain, YK Sinha.

However, he added that overall the relationship between the two countries has signs of modern partnership.


According to a report published by the Hindustan Times, Sinha who scheduled to retire from Indian Foreign Service (IFS) after serving the country for 37 years in India and abroad added that the UK has suffered from terrorism and it should revisit its view on terrorism emanating from India’s neighbourhood.

Earlier, former British high commissioner to India Richard Stagg described the relation between two countries as being hit by lack of trust. However, Sinha said he would not move as far but opined that at present there is some lack of trust.

Known for his straight speeches, Sinha grabbed the attention in June last year in his ‘dose of realism’ address at a book launch programme where he stressed the need to address the issues which include allowing anti-Indian elements to function in the UK.

“There is much to be done. If you don’t recognise the problem of terrorism we face from our west, the epicentre of terrorism, there is not much that can be done. Allowing anti-India elements to flourish here in the name of democracy also will not do”, he said.

There are concerns over the angles through which Indians are viewed from the perspective of immigration besides perception in India that London is more supportive of Pakistan.

“Messaging is important. We don’t want the UK to suffer illegal immigrants but the figures mentioned are very doubtful. How far you want to go, five years, 10 years, or something like the Windrush generation? But visa should not be the defining issue”, Sinha said in an interview with Hindustan Times.

Sinha’s nearly 24-month long duration in the UK witnessed many key issues, including much interaction on the issue of Indian fugitives based in London, visit of Indian prime minister Narendra Modi in April, and others.

Meanwhile, India is among some of the major economies the UK hopes to have free agreements in the post Brexit era with a push to exports from India.

Before his arrival in London, he was the high commissioner of India to Sri Lanka from June 2013 to December 2016. Prior to the same, he was additional secretary and headed the important Pakistan-Afghanistan-Iran division in India’s ministry of external affairs for almost four years.

More For You

Minouche Shafik

Shafik served as deputy governor for markets and banking at the Bank of England between August 2014 and February 2017.

Reuters

Starmer appoints Minouche Shafik as chief economic adviser in reshuffle

Highlights:

  • Minouche Shafik named chief economic adviser to Keir Starmer.
  • Darren Jones moves into Downing Street role; James Murray replaces him.
  • Wider reshuffle includes changes in Starmer’s private office and communications.
  • Appointment comes ahead of a budget expected to include further tax rises.

Prime minister Keir Starmer has named Minouche Shafik, a former deputy governor of the Bank of England, as his chief economic adviser. The appointment comes as he looks to strengthen his team ahead of what is expected to be a difficult end to the year.

Keep ReadingShow less
modi putin

Before their formal meeting, Putin offered Modi a ride in his Aurus limousine.

X/@narendramodi

Six key takeaways from the SCO summit

INDIAN prime minister Narendra Modi met Russian president Vladimir Putin and Chinese president Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin, China.

Modi pressed for ending the Ukraine conflict at the earliest, reaffirmed India’s long-standing ties with Russia, and discussed trade and border issues with Xi.

Keep ReadingShow less
Afghanistan earthquake

Afghan volunteers and Taliban security personnel carry an earthquake victim evacuated by a military helicopter from the Nurgal district of Kunar province onn September 1, 2025.

Getty Images

Afghanistan earthquake kills more than 800, thousands injured

A MAJOR rescue operation was underway in Afghanistan on Monday after a powerful earthquake and several aftershocks destroyed homes in a remote mountainous region, killing more than 800 people, according to Taliban authorities.

The quake struck just before midnight and was felt as far as Kabul and in Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad.

Keep ReadingShow less
Ganpati festival

The Ganpati festival celebrates Ganesha as the god of new beginnings, and the god of wisdom and intelligence. (Photo: Getty Images)

Getty Images

Hindu community centre in London damaged in fire after Ganapati Visarjan event

A HINDU community centre in east London caught fire on Saturday evening, causing major damage to the building. The London Fire Brigade brought the fire under control and confirmed that no injuries were reported.

The incident took place at the Shree Sorathia Prajapati Community Centre on Cleveland Road in Ilford, which had been decorated for a Ganapati Visarjan event attended by members of the Hindu community.

Keep ReadingShow less
Modi ,Xi & Putin

Narendra Modi talks with Vladimir Putin and Xi jinping ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit 2025 at the Meijiang Convention and Exhibition Centre in Tianjin on September 1, 2025.

Getty Images

SCO declaration slams Pahalgam attack, calls for united action on terror

Highlights:

  • SCO condemns terror attack in Pahalgam and echoes India’s stance on “double standards”.
  • Leaders call for justice for perpetrators of attacks in Pahalgam and Balochistan.
  • Declaration criticises Israeli military strikes in Gaza causing civilian casualties.
  • SCO stresses UN’s central role in global counter-terrorism strategy.

THE SHANGHAI Cooperation Organisation (SCO) on Monday condemned the terror attack in Pahalgam and agreed with India’s position that “double standards” in tackling terrorism are not acceptable.

Keep ReadingShow less